Bright Feeds Awards Scholarship to Southington Student

Liliana DiMauro, recipient of the Bright Feeds Animal Science Scholarship, with Dan Neubelt, Head of Finance for Bright Feeds PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIGHT FEEDS

Editor's note: the following is a press release from Bright Feeds.

Bright Feeds, a Connecticut-based agricultural feed manufacturer, has awarded the Bright Feeds Animal Science Scholarship to Southington High School student Liliana DiMauro in recognition of her dedication, leadership, and excellence in animal science and agricultural education.

The scholarship reflects Bright Feeds’ support for agricultural science programs at Southington High School, which has a long standing reputation for preparing students for careers in agriculture, animal science, and agribusiness.

“Liliana represents the next generation of leaders in agriculture,” said Jonathan Fife, Chief Executive Officer of Bright Feeds. “Her academic excellence, hands-on experience, and leadership in FFA make her exceptionally deserving of this scholarship. Supporting students pursuing agriculture-related careers helps strengthen both our industry and the communities we serve.”

Liliana has distinguished herself through active involvement in the National FFA Organization, where she serves as the chapter Student Advisor and has earned the Charter Oak Degree, the highest level of achievement awarded by the Connecticut FFA. She will attend Morehead State University this fall to study veterinary science.

“This scholarship will have a meaningful impact on Liliana as she takes the next step in her academic career,” said Owen McLaughlin, Director of the Southington Regional Agriculture Program. “Support from local partners like Bright Feeds strengthens our program and continues to elevate opportunities for students in our community to pursue careers in agriculture and animal science.”

Beyond her involvement with FFA, Liliana has maintained a high honors GPA and is active in the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society. She is also an active participant in the Women in Science and Engineering (W.I.S.E.) Club, reflecting her strong interest in STEM and animal science.

About Bright Feeds

Bright Feeds is pioneering new approaches to addressing food system challenges through innovative feed manufacturing. The company converts surplus food streams into high-quality livestock feed. Since launching its Berlin facility in 2022, Bright Feeds has partnered with leading agricultural producers to meet rising feed demand, provides lower cost feed for farmers, and continues to invest in local communities. 

Longtime Southington Police Officer Tim Wilk Announces Run to Represent 81st District

Tim Wilk PHOTO COURTESY OF TIM WILK

Note: This is a press release from the TimWilk4CT campaign.

Tim Wilk, a retired Southington police sergeant and FBI-trained hostage/crisis negotiator, today announced his candidacy for State Representative of the 81st District. In his 30th year protecting and serving Southington, Wilk is asking residents for the chance to carry that same commitment as their voice at the State Capitol.

Tim Wilk worked for the Southington Police Department for 25 years, retired as a sergeant in 2021 and still serves today as a reserve officer. Beyond the badge, he volunteers with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Make-A-Wish and Connecticut Special Olympics and serves as Chairman of the town's Board of Fire Commissioners. He is also a local small business owner who runs Tim Wilk Photography.

“For 30 years, my job has been to show up for Southington when it matters most and to listen before I act,” said Wilk. “I am ready to bring that service to the next level and give our community a voice that truly answers to the people.”

Wilk is running to cut the cost of living and taxes, lower electric rates and make state government answer to the people who pay for it. He says this election should come down to one question – who will deliver real results on affordability and stay accountable to Southington above all else. He believes his record of public service has prepared him to do exactly that.

“The principle I have lived by my whole career is simple. Listen with the intention to understand, not to respond. That is exactly what I will do as your State Representative.”

For more information, please visit TimWilk4CT.com and follow Tim on social media.

Facebook: @TimWilk4CT

Instagram: @TimWilk4CT

Chimdi Ogbuagu’s Track Commitment Leads to Record-Setting Run

Chimdi Ogbuagu PHOTO COURTESY OF CHIMDI OGBUAGU

Chimdi Ogbuagu’s senior season with the Southington High School track & field team etched his name permanently into the Blue Knights record books. But it was his journey to the finish line that really defined the new graduate’s legacy.

Growing up, Ogbuagu was always a football player. He got into the sport after watching with his babysitter at the time. When fourth grade came around, he joined the Southington Knights youth football league.

The sport immediately clicked with Ogbuagu, who says he got even more into it every year. It helped shape him and taught him the discipline he needed to succeed off the gridiron. By his junior year with the Blue Knights, Ogbuagu had become a starting varsity cornerback.

“My junior year I made a big jump from my sophomore year,” Ogbuagu said. “I jumped a couple guys ahead of me to be able to start that year. I really worked. It also meant a lot to me. Football was my thing, I loved football.”

However, his time as a starting cornerback, and football player overall, ended quicker than Ogbuagu anticipated when a rash of injuries changed the course of his athletic career.

Ogbuagu Suffers Injury Deja Vu

During his sophomore season, Ogbuagu had broken his tibia and fibula. It came on a non-contact injury while he was simply guarding a route. It was the first time Ogbuagu had to deal with such a serious injury. It meant basic motor skills could no longer be taken for granted.

“It was honestly a lot. It was my first time dealing with a real injury. It took a toll on me,” Ogbuagu said. “I had to learn how to walk again. It was like starting all over again. I couldn’t even do a calf raise. It was a lot honestly.”

The graduating senior ultimately decided not to undergo surgery and was able to make a full recovery prior to his junior year. His determination then earned him his starting spot.

“I just wanted to get back to playing football. It was really big for me to come back,” Ogbuagu said. “I was thinking, ‘I can’t get injured again, I have to make myself stronger.’ I was telling myself, ‘I got to be better than last time.’ Everyone else isn’t just going to wait for me to get healthy. They’re going to get better as well. I need to get twice as better to compete with them.”

But in the fourth game of the season, disaster struck. An opposing player who was getting tackled landed right on Ogbuagu. Once again his tibia and fibula were broken. All his work to recover suddenly seemed in vain.

“When I broke my leg, honestly, I didn’t know if I’d ever play sports again,” Ogbuagu said. “I knew I was going to miss another track season. Football was going to be hard; I broke my leg twice, it’s not going to be an easy comeback. My initial goal was just to be back for track. I wasn’t looking at times or trying to be fast, I was just looking to be healthy.”

When senior season came around, Ogbuagu was forced to make a decision. Football had been his passion for his entire life. But now a pair of serious injuries threw a major obstacle into his plans on the field.

Rather than race back, Ogbuagu fully committed to track & field. He knew leaving football would ultimately be best for his health and well-being. But at the same time, he was confident going all-in on track could produce special results.

“It’s my senior year. I’ve been injured a lot, it has taken a toll on me. I just want to be healthy, I don’t want to have to recover,” Ogbuagu said. “I also believed in myself. If I really committed to track, I believed I could be really good.”

Track Offers a New Lease on Life

Ogbuagu originally joined the Blue Knights’ track & field team as a freshman. He knew he had speed and thought the sport would be a good fit. Soon after joining, he realized track would give him an opportunity to gain more than just quickness.

“Initially I just thought I was fast and joined track. But it was a really nice experience,” Ogbuagu said. “All the guys were good people, they made track fun. It was different, going from all the hits, to just running.”

From the minute he joined the squad, Ogbuagu was a sprinter. He doesn’t have much time to adjust during a race. But he trains with that in mind. He wants his body to be conditioned to do the right thing.

“It’s consistency. When you’re running races like that, you don’t have time to think. It all goes in a blur,” Ogbuagu said. “The most important thing you could do is train your body to naturally do things. You’re not going to remember this, remember that. But if you can train your body to do it naturally, consistency through practices and meets, eventually things will start to click.”

His senior season was the only year Ogbuagu competed in both indoor and outdoor track. He also took part in cross country’s sprints program. The graduate focused on his consistency, knowing that one bad week could throw off his progress entirely.

Ogbuagu had a plan in place. In his final year with the Blue Knights, he wanted to “prove to myself that I can do whatever I put my mind to.” With a full commitment to Southington’s running program, Ogbuagu had the tools necessary to succeed.

“It kept me structured. I wouldn’t slack off for a week. It gave me reminders to keep working,” Ogbuagu said. “It was also big to get to know my coaches more. It’s not like they didn’t know me, but I really was only there for my freshman year. It really helped me to get to know them better and be more familiar with the training and what we do.”

Boys head coach Nick Migani certainly took notice of Ogbuagu’s all-in approach. He was well aware of his background and the injuries he had to overcome. The way Ogbuagu did so, and the heights he eventually reached, were what truly impressed Migani.

“What’s impressive is how he’s responded,” Mogani said. “Going into his senior year, he made the decision to step away from football and fully commit to track. He ran cross country in the fall to rebuild his fitness and durability, and that work has clearly paid off."

“He opened his indoor season by setting the school record in the 55 meters, which speaks to both his natural speed and the work he’s put in to get back to this point. He’s also part of a competitive family—his twin brother is a very successful wrestler—so that drive and toughness is just part of who he is.”

“Chimdi’s story is really about resilience,” Migani concluded. “He’s a kid who faced significant setbacks but stayed committed, and now he’s putting it all together in his senior year.”

Ogbuagu the Record Breaker

Ogbuagu set a number of school records during his senior season. He started his campaign with a Southington-best 6.57 55-meter dash during the indoor season. During the outdoor season, he was a part of the 4x100 team that beat their own school record (41.44) numerous times.

At the 2026 Central Connecticut South Division Championship, Ogbuagu set another record he won’t soon forget. He knew his starts during the season hadn’t been great, but felt he was beginning to find his stride. When he saw the weather was nice, Ogbuagu “felt like it could be a big day.”

Crossing the finish line at 10.79 in the 100-meter race made that prophecy a reality. Ogbuagu had broken the school record, something he couldn’t believe was real when he was informed.

“Honestly, no. It took a while for it to hit me,” Ogbuagu said. “I heard one of my teammates say 10.79. I was like, ‘For him?’ I honestly couldn’t believe it.”

“I didn’t expect to get 10.79,” he continued. “I surprised myself with that too.”

Breaking any record was meaningful for Ogbuagu. Confronting the injury problems as he did, he worried whether he would be able to return to his peak athletic form. Even in his freshman year, Ogbuagu admits he had doubts of reaching his peak potential.

His senior year journey put those concerns to bed. Others may have been satisfied with running again after breaking a leg twice. But for Ogbuagu, if he was going to make his return at all, he was going to make it count.

“Never be satisfied with good. For me, I like to be as good as I possibly can,” Ogbuagu said. “It’s more about doing the little things really well, perfect. No lapses in concentration. The little things are as important as the big things.”

Ogbuagu’s Run Won’t Stop in College

Now having graduated from Southington, Ogbuagu will be attending the University of Rhode Island and will major in computer science. In addition to that, he will be walking on their track & field team.

Playing sports in college was a goal Ogbuagu had when he entered the program. Having to take so much time off due to injuries made that dream more distant during his sophomore and junior seasons. Yet it never went away. Now, he’ll get his chance to run at the college level and continue improving on the track.

“It means so much to me,” Ogbuagu said. “My freshman year, that was the goal. My sophomore and junior year, I was like, that’s still the goal but it’s going to be really hard to get there. My mind was really off of that. I’m just happy to have a chance to be at that level.”

The fact that it will be track instead of football came as a surprise to Ogbuagu. He never thought he would leave the gridiron. Ultimately, however, he has come to love his new sport. It has become his new obsession. Ogbuagu wears his running badge with beaming honor.

“I really loved football. If you told me my freshman year I wouldn’t be playing football, I’d be like, ‘What?,’” Ogbuagu said. “But this has really shown a development. It shows I’m able to adapt to different things and not just be in football with track on the side. Now it’s track.”

Whatever the sport, Ogbuagu was always repping Southington. That only helped to grow his love of competition. He will now leave the Blue Knights with a legacy that won’t soon be forgotten. At the same time, Ogbuagu won’t forget the town that stuck with him during his setback and ultimate glory.

“This community is amazing. I feel like it’s nothing but support from this community, everyone backs each other,” Ogbuagu said. “It really makes me feel proud to represent Southington. It’s just great people.”